Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
cubiccommonsulfides
Galena
PbS
Galena typically forms distinct, often cubic or cubo-octahedral crystals with a brilliant metallic luster and a characteristic lead-gray color. The specimen shown features well-formed, intergrown cubic crystals with a bright, reflective surface.
Galena Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
lead grayCleavage
perfect cubic (three directions at 90°)Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
7.5Colors
lead gray, silvery grayTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Huelgoat, Finistère, Brittany, FranceMineral Group
sulfidesUses
lead ore, historical radio detectors, collector's itemAssociated Minerals
sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz, fluorite, bariteRarity
commonGeological Context
Galena is a primary ore of lead and is commonly found in hydrothermal veins, often associated with other sulfide minerals. It can also occur in sedimentary deposits, particularly in limestone, where it forms through replacement processes.
